Initial commissioning of high power, long pulse klystrons for SSC injector linacs

H^- ions are injected into the SSC boosters and main ring at an energy of 600 MeV by means of a three stage injector. It is composed of a RF quadrupole, a drift tube linac, both operated in the UHF-band, and a coupled cavity linac operated in the L-band at the third harmonic of the two first stages. These linacs are powered by two types of klystron. Their procurement contracts were awarded to Thomson Tubes Electroniques in October 1991. A design review held in January 1992 finalized the proposed design and fixed the final details concerning the operation and specifications of the tubes optimized for SSC requirements. Since November 1995 the commissioning of both type of klystron has been underway and several tubes of each type have so far been accepted in accordance with the tight contractual schedule. It is expected that all deliveries will be completed by the end of 1993